ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM WITH REMOTE CONTROL AND METOD OF OPERATION THEREOF

• Main Author: PESZYNSKI MICHAEL
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 27.10.2011
• Subjects: DIAGNOSIS; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; IDENTIFICATION; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; SURGERY

An ultrasound imaging probe includes a body portion having a rigid section defining at least part of a cavity; a first electromechanical actuator located in the body portion; a second electromechanical actuator located in the body portion; a flexible portion coupled to the body portion, the flexible portion comprising a plurality of articulating elements; a distal part coupled to the flexible portion and defining at least another part of the cavity; and an ultrasonic sensor array situated in the distal part, A controller provides control signals, where a first force transmitting member is coupled to the first electromechanical actuator and at least one of the plurality of articulating elements so as to transfer a force from the first electromechanical actuator to at least one of the articulating elements; and a second force transmitting member is coupled to the second electromechanical actuator and at least another of the plurality of articulating elements so as to transfer a force from the second electromechanical actuator to the other articulating element of the plurality of articulating in response to the control signals from the controller. The controller may be configured to electronically steer a beam from the ultrasonic sensor array in response to a manual manipulation of a joystick by a user to provide volumetric imaging in three dimensions.